IMG Artists is delighted to announce that Joshua Bell has renewed his contract as Music Director of the Academy of St Martin in the Fields for a further three seasons from 2017/18.
One of the world’s most celebrated violinists and a renowned figure on the international concert stage, Joshua Bell has been the London-based chamber orchestra’s Music Director since 2011. He is only the second person to hold the title, succeeding Academy founder Sir Neville Marriner who was in the role from the orchestra’s formation in 1958 until 2011. Bell’s appointment cemented a long and acclaimed partnership with the Academy which began in 1998 when he was 21 years old with a recording of Bruch and Mendelssohn violin concertos – his first concerto disc – conducted by Sir Neville Marriner.
Commenting on the renewal of his contract, Joshua Bell said: “The Academy is an incredible group of musicians, and they are like family to me – our tours together are always highlights of my year. Having served as the Academy’s Music Director since 2011, I’m thrilled that we’ll be continuing our relationship for another three seasons, and I’m very excited about the plans for 2017/18 that we’re presenting today. Here’s to the next chapter in our adventure together!”
Academy Principal First Violin Harvey de Souza said: “I am so thrilled that we will be working under Joshua’s leadership for even longer! Playing and making music with Joshua is THE highlight for me and we are looking forward to discovering new repertoire with him.”
Joshua Bell’s next performance with the Academy of St Martin in the Fields is on 24th August at the Edinburgh International Festival, where he is this year’s Artist in Residence. A further highlight in 2017/18 will be a UK tour which begins at London’s Cadogan Hall on 12th January 2018 and will feature the UK premiere of Edgar Meyer’s Overture for Violin and Orchestra.
More information, including details of the Academy of St Martin in the Fields’ 2017/18 season also announced today, is available here.
